BORE BLASTERS

A true hidden gem, Bore Blasters has all the ingredients of an indie classic in the making. The gameplay loop here is one of the most enjoyable and satisfying that we’ve had the pleasure to play, and each new upgrade really does feel like an achievement. Simply put, we can’t get enough of Bore Blasters: we’re going to be returning to it time and time again. And each time, we won’t be able to pull ourselves away.

This is in fact the impossibly sublime mix of a twin-stick shooter with a mining game, and it’s compellingly fun.

Bore Blasters is a fun little time-waster, but it's not an experience you'll remember after you've moved on.

Bore Blasters may have one rough edge in terms of its time limit, but the rest of the game is a solid blaster through a large series of fully-destructible levels backed by a pounding soundtrack. Each biome has its own hazards, like growing blocks that can regenerate right in your path, or lava blocks shooting fireballs, and all the firepower in the world isn't going to be a substitute for paying attention to the level hazards. Even a failed Bore Blasters run is a lot of fun packed with satisfyingly-explosive moments, but there would be a lot more them if there was time to amble to the end rather than sprint.

I’m loving the bite-sized gameplay that games like Bore Blasters brings to the table. It’s simultaneously a good way to sample what makes roguelikes so appealing to some, while also delivering fast and frantic rock-shattering action that throws away the pickaxe in a uniquely explosive way. This is a pretty solid game that worth giving a shot, if not for the fact that it’s one of the few games that lends itself nicely to portable play. Sure, other roguelikes might have a leg up in comparison. But that shouldn’t stop you from strapping into your gyrocopter and doing some deep dives of your own. If you’re looking for more dwarven shenanigans in your life, this one is worth a look. I’m sure some miners would raise a pickaxe and a beer in agreement.